The Bears on Tuesday promoted cornerback Isaiah Frey from the practice squad, choosing the third-year pro to help account for the season-ending injury to starter Charles Tillman.

They also promoted speedy return man Rashad Ross from the practice squad, the latest turn of a carousel the Bears continue to ride in search of Devin Hester's successor.

To make room, they waived receiver/returner Chris Williams and running back Shaun Draughn and released tight end Matthew Mulligan.

Given Frey's experience playing 16 games as the Bears' slot cornerback last season, he could take over that position with Tim Jennings returning to playing outside full-time. Before Tillman got hurt against the 49ers, Jennings moved inside in sub packages while first-round pick Kyle Fuller played outside opposite Tillman.

Frey suffered a right hamstring injury in training camp Aug. 4 and missed more than two weeks. He was waived from the active roster Aug. 26.

Ross is expected to get his chance in the return game after Senorise Perry’s unsuccessful two-game stint. Ross averaged 32 yards on four kickoff returns for the Redskins in exhibition games.

Forget all the outside noise that bombards Jay Cutler on a weekly basis — bluster for each turnover and enthusiastic praise after every victory. The Bears quarterback has neither the time nor energy to worry about any of that. Besides, sometimes the cacophony in Cutler's own huddle can prove hectic...

“We watched him in Washington and we liked his explosion,” special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis said last week. “We liked his fearlessness. He’s not the biggest guy in the world (6 feet, 167 pounds), but he is very fearless with the ball in his hand. And we liked his production.”

Perry, an undrafted rookie, had two 21-yard returns through the first two games. But coaches were not pleased in Week 1 with his decisions about which kickoffs to run out of the end zone.

Draughn was beaten in protection on the punt the 49ers blocked in the first quarter. He also was penalized twice on special teams.

Photos of the former Bears cornerback on the field and in the community.

Mulligan's departure could be the result of fullback Tony Fiammetta's recovery from a strained hamstring.

“A healthy Tony Fiammetta comes into play on special teams — and we need that right now — and certainly the 15 or 20 percent of the time as a lead back,” coach Marc Trestman said. “I know Matt (Forte) likes running with Tony leading the way.”

The transactions left the Bears with one vacant spot on their active roster, which they are expected to fill before practice Thursday. Meanwhile, they will gauge the status of several injured players and determine their needs.

Cornerback Sherrick McManis, a special teams standout, could miss more game time with the quadriceps injury he suffered against the 49ers, although it’s not believed to be a long-term injury.

Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (concussion) and safety Chris Conte (left shoulder) will be evaluated daily with the hope they can play Monday night against the Jets. Defensive end Trevor Scott sprained his right foot against the 49ers, and his status for Monday is unknown.

The Bears also re-signed defensive tackle Roy Philon to their practice squad.